Robotic versus open and laparoscopic pelvic exenterations for pelvic cancer: a multicenter propensity-matched analysis in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic exenteration (PE) is the last resort for achieving a complete cure for pelvic cancer; however, it is burdensome for patients. Minimally invasive surgeries, including robot-assisted surgery, have been widely used to treat malignant tumors and have also recently been used in PE. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of robot-assisted PE (RPE) by comparing the outcomes of open PE (OPE) with those of conventional laparoscopic PE (LPE) for treating pelvic tumors. METHODS: Following the ethics committee approval, a multicenter retrospective analysis of patients who underwent pelvic exenteration between January 2012 and October 2022 was conducted. Data on patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and perioperative outcomes were collected. A 1:1 propensity score-matched analysis was performed to minimize group selection bias. RESULTS: In total, 261 patients met the study criteria, of whom 61 underwent RPE, 90 underwent OPE, and 110 underwent LPE. After propensity score matching, 50 pairs were created for RPE and OPE and 59 for RPE and LPE. RPE was associated with significantly less blood loss (RPE vs. OPE: 408 mL vs. 2385 ml, p < 0.001), lower transfusion rate (RPE vs. OPE: 32% vs. 82%, p < 0.001), and lower rate of complications over Clavien-Dindo grade II (RPE vs. OPE: 48% vs. 74%, p = 0.013; RPE vs. LPE: 48% vs. 76%, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: This multicenter study suggests that RPE reduces blood loss and transfusion compared with OPE and has a lower rate of complications compared with OPE and LPE in patients with locally advanced and recurrent pelvic tumors.

Assessment of the accuracy of biparametric MRI/TRUS fusion-guided biopsy for index tumor evaluation using postoperative pathology specimens.

BACKGROUND: Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) is widely used for the diagnosis, surveillance, and staging of prostate cancer. However, it has several limitations, including higher costs, longer examination times, and the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents. This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of preoperatively assessed index tumors (ITs) using biparametric MRI (bpMRI)/transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) fusion biopsy compared with radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens. METHODS: We included 113 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer through bpMRI/TRUS fusion-guided biopsies of lesions with a Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) category ≥ 3. These patients underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) at our institution between July 2017 and March 2023. We examined the localization of preoperative and postoperative ITs, the highest Gleason score (GS), and tumor diameter in these patients. RESULTS: The preoperative cT stage matched the postoperative pT stage in 53 cases (47%), while 31 cases (27%) were upstaged, and 29 cases (26%) were downstaged (Weighted Kappa = 0.21). The preoperative and postoperative IT localizations were consistent in 97 cases (86%). The concordance rate between Gleason groups in targeted biopsies and RP specimens was 51%, with an upgrade in 25 cases (23%) and a downgrade in 27 cases (25%) (Weighted Kappa = 0.42). The maximum diameter of the IT and the maximum cancer core length on biopsy were correlated with the RP tumor's maximum diameter (p < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSION: The diagnostic accuracy of bpMRI/TRUS fusion biopsy is comparable to mpMRI, suggesting that it can be a cost-effective and time-saving alternative.

Comparison of perioperative outcomes and complications between intracorporeal, extracorporeal, and hybrid ileal conduit urinary diversion during robot-assisted radical cystectomy: a comparative propensity score-matched analysis from nationwide multi-institutional study in Japan.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the impact of different urinary diversion (UD) techniques on the peri- and postoperative complications of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with ileal conduit. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 373 patients undergoing RARC with ileal conduit at 11 institutions in Japan between April 2018 and December 2021. Propensity score weighting was performed to adjust for confounding factors such as age, sex, body mass index, performance status, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, previous abdominal surgery, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and preoperative high T stage (≥ cT3) and high N stage (≥ cN1). Perioperative complications were then compared among three groups: extracorporeal, intracorporeal, and hybrid urinary diversion (ECUD, ICUD, and HUD, respectively). RESULTS: A total of 150, 68, and 155 patients received ECUD, HUD, and ICUD, respectively. Bowel reconstruction time and UD time were significantly shorter in the ECUD group (p < 0.001), and console time was significantly longer and blood loss was significantly higher in the ICUD group (p < 0.001). For postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo Classification grade ≥ 3), surgical site infection (p = 0.004), pelvic abscess (p = 0.013), anastomotic urine leak (p = 0.007), and pelvic organ prolapse (p = 0.011) significantly occurred in the ECUD group. For all grades, ileus was more common in the HUD group, whereas anastomotic stricture was more common in the ECUD group compared with the other groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Severe complications did not increase after HUD and ICUD compared with ECUD; however, console time tended to be longer and blood loss was slightly higher during RARC.

Efficacy of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy compared to conventional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for completely endophytic renal tumor: a multicenter, prospective study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for completely endophytic renal tumors with the reported outcomes of conventional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and investigate the transition of renal function after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, multicenter, single-arm, open-label trial across 17 academic centers in Japan. Patients with endophytic renal tumors classified as cT1, cN0, cM0 were included and underwent robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. We defined two primary outcomes to assess functional and oncological aspects of the procedure, which were represented by the warm ischemic time and positive surgical margin, respectively. Comparisons were made using control values previously reported in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy studies. In the historical control group, the warm ischemia time was 25.2, and the positive surgical margin was 13%. RESULTS: Our per-protocol analysis included 98 participants. The mean warm ischemic time was 20.3 min (99% confidence interval 18.3-22.3; p < 0.0001 vs. 25.2). None of the 98 participants had a positive surgical margin (99% confidence interval 0-5.3%; p < 0.0001 vs. 13.0%). The renal function ratio of eGFR before and after protocol treatment multiplied by splits was 0.70 (95% confidence interval: 0.66-0.75). Factors such as preoperative eGFR, resected weight, and warm ischemic time influenced the functional loss of the partially nephrectomized kidney after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for completely endophytic renal tumors offers a shorter warm ischemia time and comparable positive surgical margin rate compared with conventional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

Japanese expert consensus on the standardization of robot-assisted pelvic lymph node dissection in urological surgery: Extent of pelvic lymph node and surgical technique.

Pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) is important for accurate staging and prognosis of prostate and/or bladder cancer. Several guidelines recommend extended PLND for patients with these cancers. However, the therapeutic benefits of extended PLND are unclear. One major reason is that the extent of PLND is not clearly defined. Thus, the working group for standardization of robot-assisted PLND, including nine experienced urologists for PLND in Japan, was launched in January 2023 by the Japanese Society of Endourology and Robotics. This study summarized the discussions to define the individual extent of PLND in urological surgery in a consensus meeting among these experienced urologists. The consensus meeting determined the extent of PLND based on arteries (veins) and anatomical membrane structures rather than a vague concept or approach toward PLND. This concept is expected to allow surgeons to implement the same extent of PLND. Finally, after a total of 10 online web conferences were held, we determined the extent of PLND for the obturator lymph node (LN) area, the internal iliac LN area, the external and common iliac LN area, and the presacral LN area according to the above rules. The extent of PLND suggested here currently does not have a clear therapeutic rationale. Therefore, the extent of our proposed PLND is by no means mandatory. We hope our definition of the extent of PLND will be supported by further evidence of therapeutic benefits for urologic cancers.

Chronic kidney disease and Charlson comorbidity index predict complications after robot-assisted radical cystectomy: A single-center study in Japan.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate preoperative patient factors that may predict the occurrence of perioperative complications following robot-assisted radical cystectomy at a single center in Japan. METHODS: From 2013 to 2022, 103 patients underwent RARC at our institution. Complications within 90 days after surgery were assessed using the Clavien-Dindo classification. Preoperative characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared between cohorts with and without complications ≥grade 3. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors associated with perioperative complications. RESULTS: Overall, 27% of patients (27/103) experienced grade 3 or higher complications. The cohort that developed complications ≥grade 3 exhibited significantly higher Charlson comorbidity index (p = 0.046) and significantly lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.048). Charlson comorbidity index ≥2 (p = 0.037) and estimated glomerular filtration rate <53 (p = 0.008) were independent predictors for the occurrence of complications ≥grade 3. The incidence of complications ≥grade 3 was 61.5% in the group possessing both factors, which was significantly higher than those in the groups possessing neither factor nor only one of the two factors. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the Charlson comorbidity index and preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate may be predictors of perioperative complications. It is important to evaluate the patient's preoperative characteristics and choose the surgical procedure accordingly.

Preoperative risk stratification models after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer: A multi-center study.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated preoperative patient factors associated with prognosis in 263 bladder cancer (BC) patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC). We also developed new risk stratification models for prognosis. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients treated at Tottori University Hospital and affiliated hospitals between January 2010 and December 2019. The relationship between preoperative patient factors and overall recurrence-free and cancer-specific survival (CSS) was analyzed. The modified Glasgow prognosis score (mGPS) was calculated using serum albumin and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Statistical analyses included the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG-PS), mGPS, and clinical tumor stage independently predicted CSS in multivariate analysis. A new risk stratification model included ECOG-PS ≥2, clinical tumor stage ≥3, serum albumin <3.5 g/dL, and serum CRP >0.5 mg/dL. Risk groups were defined as 0 factors (low risk), 1-2 factors (intermediate risk), and 3-4 factors (high risk). High-risk patients showed significantly poorer 3-year cancer-free survival: 86.9% (low risk), 76.7% (intermediate risk), and 50.0% (high risk). CONCLUSIONS: ECOG-PS, clinical tumor stage, and mGPS are predictive of poor cancer-free survival post-RC for BC. Our model offers the potential for prognostic prediction in these patients.

Japanese clinical practice guidelines for prostate cancer 2023.

This fourth edition of the Japanese Clinical Practice Guidelines for Prostate Cancer 2023 is compiled. It was revised under the leadership of the Japanese Urological Association, with members selected from multiple academic societies and related organizations (Japan Radiological Society, Japanese Society for Radiation Oncology, the Department of EBM and guidelines, Japan Council for Quality Health Care (Minds), Japanese Society of Pathology, and the patient group (NPO Prostate Cancer Patients Association)), in accordance with the Minds Manual for Guideline Development (2020 ver. 3.0). The most important feature of this revision is the adoption of systematic reviews (SRs) in determining recommendations for 14 clinical questions (CQs). Qualitative SRs for these questions were conducted, and the final recommendations were made based on the results through the votes of 24 members of the guideline development group. Five algorithms based on these results were also created. Contents not covered by the SRs, which are considered textbook material, have been described in the general statement. In the general statement, a literature search for 14 areas was conducted; then, based on the general statement and CQs of the Japanese Clinical Practice Guidelines for Prostate Cancer 2016, the findings revealed after the 2016 guidelines were mainly described. This article provides an overview of these guidelines.

Summary of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma 2023 by the Japanese Urological Association.

This article is an English translation of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma (2nd edition) published in June 2023. The Japanese Urological Association's (JUA) Guidelines Committee on Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma (UTUC) created a 2023 update guideline to support clinicians' current evidence-based management of UTUC and to incorporate its recommendations into clinical practice. The new guideline adhered as closely as possible to the Minds Manual for Guideline Development 2020 ver. 3.0. Findings related to epidemiological, pathological, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up were reviewed. In addition, seven clinical questions (CQs) were set to determine the grade of recommendation and level of evidence. Preconceptions and biases were removed from the preparation process, the overall evidence was evaluated appropriately, and recommendations were made after fully considering the balance between benefits and harms. Although the evidence is still insufficient to be taken up as a CQ, the latest important information is described in seven columns, and clinical issues that should be resolved in the future related to the CQ are described as recommendations for tomorrow. We hope that these guidelines will help medical professionals, patients, and their families involved in the treatment of UTUC in their decision-making, and hope that a critical review of these guidelines will lead to further refinements in the next edition.

C-reactive protein as a prognostic predictor for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer after intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin therapy: A Japan Urological Oncology Group study analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the involvement of pretreatment C-reactive protein (CRP) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in the prognosis of patients who underwent intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). METHODS: The clinicopathological data of 1709 patients with NMIBC who underwent initial intravesical BCG therapy after transurethral resection of bladder tumor were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the outcome of intravesical BCG therapy in a multicenter study conducted by the Japan Urological Oncology Group. The prognoses of these patients were analyzed to determine whether the biomarkers (CRP and NLR) could predict the efficacy of intravesical BCG therapy. Patients were divided into two groups according to the pretreatment CRP and NLR, with cutoff values defined as CRP ≥ 0.5 mg/dl and NLR ≥ 2.5, based on several previous reports. RESULTS: In the univariable analysis, CRP ≥ 0.5 mg/dl was significantly associated with intravesical recurrence, cancer-specific survival, and bladder cancer (BC) progression, while NLR ≥ 2.5 was not significantly associated with patient prognosis. In the multivariable analysis, CRP ≥ 0.5 mg/dl was significantly associated with intravesical recurrence and BC progression. The concordance index was used to examine the accuracy in predicting recurrence and progression events. While CRP was slightly, though not statistically significant, inferior to the European Association of Urology risk classification, the combination of them showed improved predictive accuracy. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that CRP can be a prognostic factor after intravesical BCG therapy and may provide useful data for determining treatment and follow-up strategies for patients with NMIBC.

From Diagnosis to Treatment: Comprehensive Care by Reproductive Urologists in Assisted Reproductive Technology.

Infertility is a global health concern, with male factors playing an especially large role. Unfortunately, however, the contributions made by reproductive urologists in managing male infertility under assisted reproductive technology (ART) often go undervalued. This narrative review highlights the important role played by reproductive urologists in diagnosing and treating male infertility as well as any barriers they face when providing services. This manuscript presents a comprehensive review of reproductive urologists' role in managing male infertility, outlining their expertise in diagnosing and managing male infertility as well as reversible causes and performing surgical techniques such as sperm retrieval. This manuscript investigates the barriers limiting urologist involvement such as limited availability, awareness among healthcare professionals, and financial constraints. This study highlights a decrease in male fertility due to lifestyle factors like sedentary behavior, obesity, and substance abuse. It stresses the significance of conducting an evaluation process involving both male and female partners to identify any underlying factors contributing to infertility and to identify patients who do not require any interventions beyond ART. We conclude that engaging urologists more effectively in infertility management is key to optimizing fertility outcomes among couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatments and requires greater education among healthcare providers regarding the role urologists and lifestyle factors that could have an effect on male fertility.

[Robotic-Assisted Surgery for Renal Cancer and Cancer of the Renal Pelvis and Ureter].

Recently, minimally invasive urological surgery has become increasingly common as years pass, with the rapid development of laparoscopic, minimal wound, mono-sectional, and robot-assisted surgeries. Robot-assisted surgery's indication for renal, renal pelvis, and ureter cancers has been expanded, and in Japan, robot-assisted partial nephrectomy(RAPN)has been covered by insurances since 2016. Additionally, robot-assisted radical nephrectomy(RARN)and robot-assisted nephroureterectomy(RANU)were covered by insurances in 2022. Compared to that of conventional laparoscopic surgery, robot-assisted surgery offers many advantages, such as 3-dimensional magnified vision, highly flexible forceps manipulation with anti-shake function, and improved dexterity. RARN and RANU are widely used mainly in Western countries, and their effectiveness is being reported. Since RARN and RANU require precise vascular manipulation and often, accurate lymph node dissection, we believe that the surgical robot's characteristics will be extremely useful in these procedures. Therefore, it is expected that RAPN will become similarly popular as RAPN in Japan. In this study, we will review the current status, surgical results, indications, and future prospects of RARN and RANU, which are newly covered by insurances in Japan.

Extent of pelvic lymph node dissection improves early oncological outcomes for patients with high-risk prostate cancer without lymph node involvement after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the effect of the extent of pelvic lymph node dissection (LND) on biochemical recurrence (BCR) in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) without lymph node involvement (LNI) treated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 378 patients who underwent RARP with LND at our hospital between October 2010 and June 2019. The BCR-free survival rate was determined using Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox regression analysis was used to investigate BCR prognostic factors. The total score calculated from the D'Amico risk classification and the percentage of positive biopsy cores were used for analysis. Patients were classified into 3 BCR risk groups (low risk: 0-3 points, intermediate risk: 4-5 points, and high risk: 6-8 points). RESULTS: Limited LND was performed in 161 patients (42.6%), extended LND in 217 patients (57.4%), and BCR was confirmed in 66 patients (17.5%) after RARP. Both univariate and multivariate analyses showed no significant difference in the association between the extent of LND and BCR. The Kaplan-Meier curve for BCR generated using our risk classification for patients with PCa without LNI showed no significant association between the extent of LND and BCR in the low-risk group (p = 0.790). A significantly improved BCR-free survival was observed in the extended LND group among patients with PCa at intermediate risk or higher (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: According to our risk classification, BCR may be less likely to occur when extended LND is performed during RARP for patients with localized PCa at intermediate risk or higher.

Sarcopenia is associated with survival in patients with urothelial carcinoma treated with systemic chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia impacts perioperative outcomes and prognosis in various carcinomas. We aimed to investigate whether sarcopenia at the time of chemotherapy induction in patients with urothelial carcinoma is associated with prognosis. METHODS: We evaluated patients treated with chemotherapy for urothelial carcinoma between April 2013 and February 2018 at our institution and affiliated centers. Skeletal muscle mass (total psoas muscle, paraspinal muscle, and total skeletal muscle areas) were used to calculate the total psoas muscle index, paraspinal muscle index, and skeletal muscle index. All participants were grouped as per cutoff points set at the median value for each sex. Overall survival was evaluated using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 240 patients, 171 were men and 69 were women; mean age during chemotherapy was 71 years (range: 43-88); and 36, 56, and 148 patients were at stages II, III, and IV, respectively. Paraspinal muscle index was most associated with the prognosis; groups with lower paraspinal muscle index were defined as sarcopenic (men: ≤ 20.9 cm2/m2, women: ≤ 16.8 cm2/m2). The overall survival was significantly longer in the non-sarcopenia group including all stages (p = 0.001), and in stage III (p = 0.048) and IV (p = 0.005) patients. There was no significant difference among stage II patients (p = 0.648). After propensity score matching, survival was still significantly longer in the non-sarcopenia group (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Paraspinal muscle index measurements obtained during chemotherapy induction for urothelial carcinoma were independent prognostic factors. The absence of sarcopenia may lead to long-term survival in patients undergoing chemotherapy for urothelial carcinoma.

Retroperitoneal paraganglioma with loss of heterozygosity of the von Hippel-Lindau gene: a case report and review of the literature.

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is an autosomal dominant disease related to germline mutations in VHL. In VHL disease, pheochromocytoma develops in 10%-20% of patients because of germline mutations and loss of heterozygosity of VHL. However, the rate of paraganglioma associated with VHL is low compared with that of pheochromocytoma, and the reason is unknown. In this study, we performed germline and somatic mutation analyses of retroperitoneal paraganglioma that developed in a patient with clinically diagnosed VHL disease and investigated the tumorigenic mechanism of paraganglioma. The patient was a 25-year-old woman who was considered to have VHL disease on the basis of her family history. She was referred to our clinic to investigate a tumor at the bifurcation of the common iliac artery. The tumor was diagnosed as retroperitoneal paraganglioma by clinical evaluations. A left renal cell carcinoma was also suspected. Polymerase chain reaction direct sequencing analysis and polymorphic microsatellite analysis within the VHL locus suggested that loss of heterozygosity of VHL was associated with paraganglioma and renal cell carcinoma. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification analysis showed a loss of the copy number of VHL exons in paraganglioma. These results suggest that VHL disease contributes to the development of paraganglioma. A literature review showed no reported common missense variants involved in the progression of paraganglioma. The loss of heterozygosity of VHL can be a tumorigenic mechanism of retroperitoneal paraganglioma in VHL disease. However, the low rate of paraganglioma compared with pheochromocytoma is not explained by their genetic background alone.

Incidence and predictive factors of orgasmic dysfunction after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the incidence and extent of orgasmic dysfunction in patients after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and to identify factors that could predict patients at risk. METHODS: A single-center, questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study was conducted on patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (n = 523) between October 2010 and November 2019. In addition to six questions about sexual activity, orgasmic function, altered perception of orgasms, dysorgasmia, and climacturia, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form was administered. In February 2020, a letter was mailed inviting patients to participate in the survey. The primary outcome measure was the rate of orgasmic dysfunction. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of orgasmic dysfunction. RESULTS: Overall, 259 questionnaires were used for analysis. Among sexually active patients (n = 145), 33 (22.8%) reported anorgasmia, and 83 (57.2%) reported decreased orgasm intensity. Twenty-two (15.1%) patients reported dysorgasmia; among these patients, the pain was experienced almost always or always in 13.6%, sometimes in 13.6%, and a few times in 72.8% of cases. Climacturia was reported by 44 patients (30.3%). Nerve-sparing procedures decreased the risk of anorgasmia (odds ratio 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.15-0.88) and urinary incontinence increased the risk of climacturia (odds ratio 3.13, 95% confidence interval 1.20-8.15). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that orgasmic dysfunction after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy is relatively common.

Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy with minimum follow-up of 5 years: A multi-center prospective study in Japan.

OBJECTIVES: Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy is widely performed for small renal masses, achieving excellent perioperative and intermediate oncological outcomes. However, long-term oncological, functional, and quality of life outcomes after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate quality of life at 1 year and oncological and functional outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy after a minimum follow-up of 5 years. METHODS: Personal, perioperative, postoperative, functional, oncological, and quality of life data were evaluated. The EQ-5D-5L tool, which incorporates health profiles and a EuroQol Visual Analog Scale, was used to assess quality of life preoperatively and 365 days postoperatively. Regarding oncological and functional outcomes, overall survival, recurrence-free survival, and changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate were calculated. RESULTS: There were few changes in levels between the two time points for all EQ-5D dimensions. The mean change in EQ-5D-5L was 0.020 (95% confidence interval 0.006-0.033, P = 0.006), and in EuroQol Visual Analog Scale score 4.60 (95% confidence interval 2.17-7.02, P = 0.0003). Overall and recurrence-free survival 5 years after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy were 97.9% and 92.8%, respectively. After an early postoperative decrease, the estimated glomerular filtration rate remained stable over time. CONCLUSIONS: Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy in patients with a T1 renal tumor is safe, feasible, and effective from the perspective of quality of life and survival, even after 5 years. When making treatment decisions, perioperative and quality of life outcomes should be considered together with long-term oncological outcomes.

PDE5 inhibitors and male reproduction: Is there a place for PDE5 inhibitors in infertility clinics or andrology laboratories?

The objective of this review study is to evaluate the therapeutic role of PDE5 inhibitors (PDE5is) in the amelioration of oligoasthenospermia in infertile males. PDE5is have a beneficial influence on the secretory function of the Leydig and Sertoli cells, the biochemical environment within the seminiferous tubule, the contractility of the testicular tunica albuginea, and the prostatic secretory function. In several studies, the overall effect of sildenafil and vardenafil increased quantitative and qualitative sperm motility. Furthermore, some studies indicate that PDE5is influence positively the sperm capacity to undergo capacitation under biochemical conditions that are known to induce the sperm capacitation process. Additional research efforts are necessary in order to recommend unequivocally the usage of sildenafil, vardenafil, or avanafil for the alleviation of male infertility.

Transvaginal closure of urinary bladder opening and Mitrofanoff technique in a neurologically impaired female with chronic indwelling catheter: a case presentation.

BACKGROUND: Chronic catheterization remains the only attractive option in specific circumstances, especially in neurologically impaired patients. Complications produced by the indwelling catheters, like patulous urethra and bladder neck destruction, usually lead to severe incontinence and significant nursing difficulties. Here, we describe a rare case, a urinary bladder opening representing massive and extensive destruction of the urethra and bladder sphincter due to an indwelling catheter. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 46-year-old paraplegic woman complaining of recurrent febrile urinary tract infections and severe urinary incontinence. She suffered from persistent malodorous urine and skin breakdowns from constant urine leakage. The vaginal examination revealed extensive destruction of the urethra and a 10 cm opening permitting the urinary bladder wall to prolapse into the vagina. The patient underwent a combined surgical approach; a transvaginal bladder closure with anterior colporrhaphy and a Mitrofanoff procedure to ensure a continent stoma for future clean intermittent self-catheterization (CISC). The patient is compliant with CISC and, remains continent twelve years after surgery. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates that in the era of CISC, there are still neurologically impaired females suffering from rare but critical adverse effects of indwelling catheters. The urethra and bladder neck erosion represent a demanding treatment assignment. The Mitrofanoff procedure for continent stoma and the transvaginal closure of urinary bladder opening produced a lifesaving potential treatment.

Impact of positive surgical margin status in predicting early biochemical recurrence after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the association between positive surgical margin (PSM) status and biochemical recurrence (BCR) after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) to develop a prognostic factor-based risk stratification model for BCR. METHODS: We analyzed the data of 483 patients who underwent RARP at our hospital between October 2010 and April 2019; 435 patients without neoadjuvant therapy were finally included. The BCR-free survival rate was determined using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Effects of the PSM status, including the number of PSMs, Gleason score (GS) at a PSM, and the maximum PSM length for BCR, were investigated using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: BCR was confirmed after RARP in 61 patients (14.0%), and PSM was confirmed in 74 patients (17.0%); PSM was a significant predictor of BCR (p < 0.001). The median number of PSMs was 2 (1-6), and the median maximum length of PSM was 6.0 (2.0-17.0) mm. Multivariable analysis showed lymph node invasion (p < 0.001), GS of ≥ 7 at a PSM (p = 0.022) and a maximum PSM length of > 6.0 mm (p = 0.003) were significant predictors of BCR. We classified the patients without lymph node invasion into good-, intermediate-, and poor-risk groups according to the other two risk factors (presence of 0, 1, and 2 factors, respectively) and rates of 1-year BCR-free survival (100.0, 72.7, and 48.1%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Higher GS at PSM and greater length of PSM were significant predictors of BCR after RARP, and console surgeons should be careful to prevent PSM during RARP.